The beginning, middle, and end of summer are marked by holidays that honor our country's greatest values and liberties. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day are steeped in traditions of honoring and remembering all those who served in the military. For many of us, it also means an extra day off to celebrate with family and friends.

With the promise of summer stretching out ahead, Memorial Day has a special significance. Our real estate agents share their favorite New England Memorial Day traditions.

Memorial Day in Maine

• Old Orchard Beach, ME
  What's Memorial Day without a parade? Old Orchard Beach is home to the Southern Maine Memorial Day Parade, one of the largest in the state. Co-hosted by the town and the local American Legion, the parade starts at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 31, giving you plenty of time to arrive. Afterward, rent a paddleboard and head out to the town's beautiful, seven-mile-long sandy beach. Families will love Palace Playground, a beachfront amusement park, and Jungle Adventure, a themedblacklight 3D miniature golf course.
  
  
• York Beach, ME
  Has modern technology made it difficult for you to feel like you can truly get away from it all? A visit to York Beach is like stepping back to a quieter, more relaxing time. York Beach actually features three distinct beaches, each with its own set of attractions and activities. Long Sands Beach has Cape Neddick Light Station, also known as the Nubble, thought to be the most photographed lighthouse in New England. Wild Kingdom, a zoo and amusement park, and Goldenrod, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and taffy shop, make Short Sands Beach a favorite of families. Finally, York Harbor Beach leads to Hartley Mason Reserve, a four-acre park with stunning ocean views.
  
  
• Kennebec Valley, ME
  While Memorial Day is certainly a time for fun, the main reason for the holiday is to pay tribute to those who fought to preserve our freedom. What could be more appropriate than a trip to the Kennebec Valley, the site of Augusta, the capital of Maine? While its roots go back to the 19th century, the restored and modernized State House is an architectural delight. Just minutes away is Togus National Cemetery, the only national cemetery in Maine, displaying the stirring Avenue of Flags each year on Memorial Day. There's also no lack of outdoor activities. Adrenaline junkies from around the world travel to Kennebec Valley for its first-class whitewater rafting.
  
  
• Acadia National Park - 25 Visitor Center Rd., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  Acadia National Park proudly proclaims itself to be the "Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast." The 3.5 million annual visitors who make Acadia one of the top-10 most-visited national parks would no doubt agree. With 158 miles of hiking trails, many of them pet-friendly, there's always a new area to explore. There are two swimming beaches and numerous lakes, ponds, and streams for boating and fishing. One of the more popular attractions is the Park Loop Road, a 27-mile route with unparalleled views. Entrance fees are $30 per vehicle or $15 per person on foot or bicycle. The park is open year-round, but visit the website for a seasonal schedule of various areas and attractions.

Memorial Day in New Hampshire

• Portsmouth, NH
  After a weekend in Portsmouth, you'll understand why people have called it "unforgettable." This seacoast town is a fascinatingblend of natural beauty, historical charm, and contemporary appeal. Memorial Day is a perfecttime to visit Strawbery Banke Museum, a 10-acre outdoor facility showcasing three centuries of American history with interactive exhibits and costumed role-players. Take in the stunning New Hampshire seacoast with a steamship tour around the Isles of Shoals.Shopaholics love the delightful mix of chic boutiques, upscale kitchen stores, and brand-name shops lining the streets of downtown Portsmouth.
  
  
• Memorial Weekend Craft Festival - Mill Falls Marketplace, 312 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, NH 03253
  Fairs and festivals are a time-honored part of summer in America. Kick-off the season at the annual Memorial Weekend Craft Festival being held at Mills Falls Marketplace. More than 100 artisans from throughout New England will be participating in this festival. Works on display include nearly every type of artistic media, ranging from pottery, wall hangings, and glassware to jewelry, scarves, and baskets. Tantalize your taste buds with samples of hot sauces, jams, maple products, and other food items. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free and leashed dogs are welcome.
  
  
• Lincoln-Woodstock, NH
  Mountains aren't just for winter, especially when they're as picturesqueas New Hampshire's White Mountains. Attractions in the Lincoln-Woodstock area,such as the Hobo Railroad and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, offer unbeatable views of the mountains and surrounding foliage. You won't find any shortage of water, as Lincoln-Woodstock features a number of dazzling waterfalls that are easily accessible via hiking trails.

History, scenery, and culture -- New Englandhasit all. Contact us at The Masiello Group to learn more.